These are strong readings today and not all that clear. The reading from
the Prophet Isaiah speaks about rejoicing in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a
symbol of the heavenly kingdom and a way of thinking about being God's
people. So also in the Gospel today, from Saint Luke, we are given the
image of a city that will not receive the message of redemption. This is a
contrast to Jerusalem.

Preaching God to others is always a difficult task. When others do not
want to hear about God, do not believe in God and do not want to be
bothered with God, the task is almost impossible. Even in this Gospel
there is an acknowledgement that at times the best thing is just to move
on.

How do we move on? Do we condemn those who will not listen to us? If we
move on, how is the Kingdom of the Lord going to be present?

The Letter to the Galatians tells us to boast in nothing except the Cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have surely heard that advice before in our
lives. It is dreadful advice because it means to accept all of the
sufferings that come into our lives and to unite them with the love of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of spending our time trying to avoid any
suffering or pain in our lives, we are invited to recognize that pain and
suffering are the regular experiences of all who want to follow Jesus.

Will we ever rejoice in Jerusalem? Yes. There are moments in which we can
see and experience the incredible presence of God in our lives and give
thanks for His goodness. Those moments are the rare experiences that may
come to us in the midst of pain and suffering. We cannot begin to look for
such experiences of consolation because we will be disappointed.

Once we begin to put our hands to the plow, we cannot look back. Once we
begin to accept the pain and suffering normal in life, we begin to find the
joys and delights as well. If we spend our time seeking to avoid the pain
and suffering, we will never know the fullness of joy and delight in the
Lord.

Do we have to look for pain and suffering. No. They will come whether we
look for them or not! Do we have to be pious about it all? No, we have
only to consecrate ourselves to the Lord and promise Him all.

My sisters and brothers, the end days are always upon us. We must decide
today to live for Jesus Christ and to strive to do His will. May the peace
of Jerusalem be ours this day.